By Jamil Suleman
The Coalition Government has invested over $11 million to connect the road from Vunisea to Vacalea in Kadavu, enabling easier access and reducing transportation costs for the people of Kadavu.
This development is also part of Kadavu’s 10-year strategic development plan priority, which is currently in progress under the infrastructure modernisation theme.
Since assuming office in June, the Provincial Administrator for Kadavu, George Dregaso, has recognised the island's potential and emphasised the need for a focused approach to enhance livelihoods and create investment opportunities in Kadavu.
“We are looking to work with department heads and stakeholders to draft a development plan.”
He explained that this strategic document is guided by the recently passed National Development Plan, which will help define the necessary actions for Kadavu’s development needs.
Other key goals of this strategic development plan for Kadavu include further investments in infrastructure, sustainable natural resource management, education enhancement, health and wellness, community capacity building, and poverty reduction.
Under the infrastructure modernisation aspect, Mr Dregaso highlighted the importance of connecting Kavala to Vunisea to reduce transportation costs, especially for medical evacuations.
“If this road can be connected, upgraded, and sealed, it will resolve many issues in Kadavu, such as the high cost of transportation. Improving road networks and sealing the roads will help reduce these costs, which are linked to the high expenses associated with medical evacuations to CWM Hospital.”
“Many people avoid going to the hospital for check-ups because of transportation costs, leading to serious illnesses by the time they seek help. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, the cost of evacuation is around $70,000, which is why improving road networks is a priority.”
He added that the team is also currently working on improving the dusty Vunisea road, aiming to have it completed and sealed.
Mr Dregaso also noted that by April next year, they are expected to seal the road from Biana to Namalata, where the port is located.
“Apart from routine maintenance, the Government allocates about $22 million each year for routine maintenance in Kadavu, which I believe is somewhat high due to transportation costs, as some materials need to be imported from Suva.”
He also mentioned that the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development, through the Rural and Outer Island Development Programme, will open road access from Daviqele crossing down to Tauwava, connecting to where the road currently ends at Naqalotu.
“This project will cost around $365,000, and it will connect Babaceva to Babatokalau from the Tikina of Yawe to the Tikina of Nabukelevu I Ra.”
“This will ease the transportation burden that residents typically face, as traveling from one Tikina to another can be very expensive. It will also provide access for farmers cultivating land along that road.”
Mr Dregaso also extended his appreciation to the Coalition Government for providing funding of $500,000 for the improvement of government quarters in Kadavu, stressing that these are also among the many issues civil servants in Kadavu face.
“We want to enhance the quarters so that we have at least comfortable accommodations for our families to enjoy while we serve.”
Mr Dregaso further stated that the team from the Provincial Office in Kadavu is also working on improving "black spot" areas—locations that currently lack communication networks.
“We are thankful that Starlink is coming in through a partnership with Telecom, and we are looking at other alternatives to align our development programs to connect all these areas. Once we connect all these black spot areas.”
“Additionally, we are focusing on water and sanitation; we are working to install ecological purification systems for all the villages in Kadavu with assistance from the Government via the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development.”
Mr Dregaso stated that they currently have programs under high-risk water sanitation that will strive to provide 100 percent purified water for all of Kadavu this year, as part of improved infrastructure.
With a strategic vision targeting the years 2025 to 2035, the Kadavu Strategic Plan is poised to facilitate meaningful development with the support of government once endorsed.